That's where I live! It's a beautiful town. I assume you have been here to interview for the job? Rockland is far enough in to Maine that you'll really hear the accent and see the culture. It is definitely a working fishing town. Plan on driving a ways if you want to go to a mall. The people are friendly, I've found the only time they really don't like outsiders is when people try to put on the accent or act like they're from here when they're not. I don't think you'll have any problem finding q place to rent, especially now that tourist season is over. The rent here war less then where I'm from, but the wages are also lower. The biggest down side of this area is, Maine has a huge problem with prescription drug abuse, and here in the midcoast area the problem is the worst. Do you have any specific questions about the area?

Thanks for the info! I actually did a couple of phone interviews for the job and have not actually been to Maine yet.

What are winter's in the area like? I am from Wisconsin and have grown up with winter and all it brings, but am curious as to how it compares. Also, when looking for apartments are there any areas of town or apartment buildings that you would recommend or recommend avoiding?

I think coming from Wisconsin you'll do fine for winter! The coast is a little milder than inland. I love the 4 seasons. The nice part is summer - it's cooler right here on the coast, and breezy. I didn't even put in AC this past summer. There were a few days I would have used it, but it didn't seem worth blocking a window for just a few days of use. It can be quite windy and rainy here. Lots of heavy fog in the mornings. There doesn't seem to be a real "bad" part of town - there is a section that is kind of the south east part of town that seems a little less desirable. There is an apartment building that always runs ads called The Thorndike building, and a small development called Fieldcrest Apts - do not go there. The biggest problem in this area is the opiate addicts, and the problem is way more prevalent then you would guess, for a little town like this. Also, jobs are very scarce - even nurse jobs, so if you get here and hate the job do realize you might have to travel quite a ways to find another. And I would assume with public health nursing you will be working with alot of addicts, they are a different breed. On a brighter note, Main St. is great - more art museums then you would guess, cute little shops, you must eat at the Rockland Cafe on Main. Seafood so fresh it literally just came out of the sea! Old architecture - beautiful old Victorian style buildings. I love that! Just to give you an idea, I rent a 2br, heat, water, trash and snow removal included - $735. It is a true New England old seacoast town. I came from Vermont, also a nice place to live!